Alex Evans

A minute’s applause was held at the Sheffield Wednesday game today in support of a one-year-old Sheffield girl who is seriously ill in hospital.

One-year-old Olivia is currently in Leeds Children’s Hospital battling a rare immune condition which is attacking her organs.

Protesters gathered outside the Town Hall

She has undergone open heart surgery and is said to be ‘fighting for her life’.

An appeal was made online and on The Star’s Facebook page for fans at Sheffield Wednesdays’ match with Reading to applaud for little Olivia during the game’s 23rd minute.

Fans heard the call and got on their feet to applaud when the game hit 23 minutes played.

A post on group Sheffield Online by her mum Kayley Waldron said: “I’m Olivias mummy, thank you all so so much, as you know Olivia is very unwell and fighting for her life so I will be by her bedside, but just knowing thousands of people will be wishing her well is truly amazing and as a family we will take so much strength from that.”

Olivia’s granddad Martin Brownhill posted: “As you can probably tell I’m Livvy’s grandad. I’m a lifelong Blade & can honestly say that Sheffield has the best fans in the world, regardless of which colour!

“We always come together when it’s needed & thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

“If I could trade places with my angel, I would gladly but the support of you all is really emotional for me.

“Thank you all. If I could, I’d hug you all personally! Thank you all so very much.”